How to Copy CDs to an External Hard Drive

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Copy your CDs to an external hard drive without special software.

Copying a CD to an external hard drive does not require a Windows user to install any additional software. By utilizing the main "Computer" menu, you can see all the hard drives and CDs or DVDs that are inserted in the computer. Use the copy and paste feature to copy data from a CD directly to an external hard drive.

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Step 1

Insert desired CD into CD or DVD ROM drive.

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Step 2

Connect appropriate cables from external hard drive to PC. Turn on external hard drive.

Step 3

Click on "Start."

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Step 4

Click on "Computer."

Step 5

Locate the CD you want to copy. Right-click on the CD drive, and click "Explore."

Step 6

Open the external drive by clicking on the appropriate drive letter.

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Step 7

Create a new folder on the external drive to export the CD's data to. Right-click on an area in the external drive's main folder, then select new folder.

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Step 8

Return to the open directory of your CD. Click on the "Organize" button on the top left menu. Click "Select all."

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Step 9

Click the "Organize" button again, then click "Copy."

Step 10

Return to the "New Folder" you created on the external hard drive and right-click on it. Click "Paste." All the CD's data will now transfer to the new folder on the external hard drive.

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